E2TG 8/23/2021 - Music City Monday and More - Queen of Nothing Mix (Destiny Remix)

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Technical difficulties means I am running late... 

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 2 - the story continues) (songs 14-19):

14. "The Ballad of The Peshwari Naan" by The Pocket Gods

First up, we have a release from UK cult indie band - which is their tribute to BBC DJ John Peel - who briefly championed the band before his untimely death.  The prolific band has released 67 albums and over 40 singles and EPs since their inception.

15. "You Can't Save Everyone" by Owls & Aliens

Next up, we have the latest single from this 5 piece band from rural Oregon. 

16. "Bend Your Strings" by Pablo Infernal

Next up, we have the latest single from this band that formed in Zurich, Switzerland made up of musicians from Albania, Brazil, and Italy. 

17. "Wicked Woman" by Blacktop Mojo

Next up, we have the lead track from the self-titled 4th album by this five piece band from Texas. 

18. "Burden" by Somber Distortion

Next up we have the debut single from this solo project of Joni Kyynäräinen from Finland. 

19. "Home" by Iris Marlowe 

And, we close this segment of music with the latest single from this country/folk singer-songwriter from Chicago.  

 

         

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/4/2021 - Featured Friday - Battleship Chains Mix (Paper Piano Remix)

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We've reached the end of another week and that means that it is time for another Featured Friday Playlist. 

Thanks to everyone who has followed the Playlist on Spotify - it means a lot.  This week's list is about the same length as last week - I think I have hit upon a good size for the list. Hopefully, the bands and artists will cooperate with their release schedules. (Just kidding).

Let's go!

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 4/26/2021 - Music City Monday - Same Mistakes Mix (Rooftops Remix)

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Running short on time... Here's today's music.

Featured Friday Playlist Recap Pt. 2 (Songs 11-16):

11. "True Blue" by DL Rossi

After featuring some of the pre-release singles - Lonesome Kind - the third album from DL Rossi is out now. The album was recorded in Nashville where Rossi lived before returning to Michigan to deal with a family health issue. 

12. "The Chain" by Eagles vs Drones 

Next up, we have a cover of the Fleetwood Mac song by this UK metal band led by Nathan Peach and Mark Vincent. Great cover. 

13. "I've Always Been Crazy" by Shannon McNally

Another cover - this time the lead track from Shannon McNally's forthcoming The Waylon Sessions tribute album - due May 28.

14. "Ghost a Go-Go" by Lowbelly

Next up, we have the first single from the recently released first album in 13 years (called II) by this eclectic band from Boise, Idaho.  Fun fact, in fifth grade, I had to do a report about a state and my report was about Idaho.  The band's story is one of resilience which I hope to share in more detail. In the meantime, check out the album and enjoy this track. 

15. "Off Guard" by Kid Hastings

Next up, we have the new single from California based indie pop artist Kid Hastings - the song was written calling two breakups and being hit by a car while skateboarding. Really interesting music, and I dig it. 

16. "Mutant Fur" by Dontmesswithjuan

And keeping things interesting - we have the latest single from the forthcoming album Juan & the Pursuit of Happiness - which tells a fictional story of Juan - this track is about mutations and transformation and change. Dontmesswithjuan is the project of a Montreal-based female artist who chooses to stay out of the spot-light. Really fascinating.  I dug this track and I am ready to dig deeper. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 1/1/2021 - Featured Friday 2021 #1 - New Way of Life Mix (Feminine Walk Remix)

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Posting the new Featured Friday Playlist and recapping the first ten songs.  

Consider this a bonus post.  The first "real" post of 2021 is coming Monday. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/29/2020 - Featured Friday -

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There is so much I want to write at this moment. I am not sure where to begin. These are truly frightening times on many different levels. I was not in a good place yesterday even before American journalists were arrested on live television. Even before the President of the United States threatened violence against American Citizens.

I had to make my basically weekly trek out of my place to pick-up groceries. It seems like most people I saw are just going about their lives as if the pandemic was over. The thought that went through my head was in March and early April, it did basically feel like we were "all in this together", but that is no longer the case. Wearing masks has been politicized to the point that people wearing masks are being accosted by people not wearing masks. 

What is happening in Minneapolis has eclipsed all of the those concerns. It is a mess for sure, but it did not start with George Floyd, I hope this time will be a turning point for our country, but I don't know...   We are so fundamentally divided as a nation - we aren't just split in two, we are shattered in many different ways. Everything can potentially be political - from fried chicken and pizza to public figures and yes, masks. At this point, we can watch the same video clip or read the same quote and our perception of can be the opposite depending on our political leanings. 

So, here I sit at the end of another work week and work month. I will be working from home for at least another month. I am not sure when I will feel safe going out for more than the brief moments I have to venture out. With the way people are acting, it may be a while.

I continue to lean into music. I miss live music, but not enough to put myself or others in danger.

But, this is a music  blog, so let us get on with it!

Well, it is Friday and time for a new Featured Friday Playlist. As we did last week (and plan to do going forward), we will be highlighting all the songs/artists in this week's Playlist.  Beginning with songs one through six down below today.

You can listen to and follow the playlist on Spotify - now!

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/28/2020 Part 1 - Single and Video Premiere

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I first met Brett Ryan Stewart through the incomparable Reckless Johnny Wales and Denise Fussell.  I feel like they made a point of making sure I met Brett. It was at Bobby's Idle Hour - maybe a David Olney show, but I don't know. The thing is, if you know Reckless and Denise, you know that if they want you to know someone then it is someone you should know.

I will be honest, it took a little while to figure Brett Ryan Stewart out - okay, maybe I will never figure him out- anyway, it took me a little while to figure out what he did. I gathered that he did music production, and I got the vague sense that maybe he played music, but that was easy - this is Nashville and everyone except me plays music.

The thing is, right from the start, I knew I liked him, and in the back of my mind was the nagging voice (Reckless and Denise wanted you to know him for a reason).

Turns out my confusion was not unfounded. In the years since I met him, Stewart has been through some changes and challenges. For one, he started Wirebird Productions. (You can read all about it below in the press release).

When I finally heard Brett's music, a light bulb went off, and I suddenly understood exactly why I was led to meet him. First of all,he is a great songwriter. More specifically, he manages to deliver heartfelt truths in an original way.  I love this new song, and I hope you will, too.  Read about it below, and then check out the wonderful video (made by the awesome Duende Vision team).

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Half Acre of Rock Mix (Trust Fund Hobo Remix)

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  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.

First of all, a huge thanks for making the 2019 WXNA Fall Pledge Drive a rousing success!  We met and exceeded our goal!

It is Thanksgiving Week.  I will be posting shuffles through Wednesday and then taking the rest of the week off for the holiday. 

Let's get right into the shuffle.  I think this week will be pretty laid back, but as always great music...

On Monday we shuffle tracks from the Music City Monday Spotify Playlist...

Music City Monday Shuffle - Synchronicity Mix (Breakfast Remix)

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  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.

It is time for the WXNA Fall Pledge Drive!  Please help support this independent, free-form, listener-supported, community radio station today.  You can call (615) 933-9962 that's (615) 993-WXNA or you can visit wxnafm.org   There are some fantastic "Thank You" gifts this time around, but more important, you will doing you part to getting great radio alive and well in Nashville.


Now, we are back in time for Music City Monday - exploring some of the music that makes Nashville Music City USA!

Let's go!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Fade or Don't Mix

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Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV is almost here!  I hope, if you are in Nashville, you will make plans to attend. It is doing to be a truly memorable two nights of music and more.  Here is the line-up:  (Magnolia Roads' Emily runs a tight ship, so expect these times to be pretty darn accurate).

American Roots Hoedown IV Night One April 26, 2019:
9:00-9:35 The Truehearts
9:50-10:30 Chris Wilson & The Heresy
10:45-11:35 Don Gallardo & How Far West
11:50-12:40 Funkyjenn & The Fringe Benefits

American Roots Hoedown IV Night Two April 27, 2019:
6:00-6:20 Jenny Van West
6:25-6:45 Bryan Haraway
6:50-7:10 Jason Daniels
7:15-7:35 Mike Younger
7:45-8:30 Arkansas Dave
8:45-9:30 Jeff Mix & The Songhearts
9:45-10:30 Rich Mahan Band
10:45-11:30 Bonnie Blue
11:45 Silent Auction winners announcement
11:55pm-1:10 Lady Couch

We have a great big Music City Monday shuffle.  With all the insanity coming to Nashville this week, with the NFL Draft and the Marathon, it is important to remember that and why Nashville truly is Music City USA.  There are those who want to obscure or dilute that fact, and in rebuttal, I offer up - this shuffle!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Drunk and Unknown Mix

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As promised, I am going to kick into a higher gear in telling you about the Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV - coming at the end of this month.

The show runs two consecutive nights at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  I am thrilled to be a part of this and to work with the awesome Magnolia Roads! 

Both nights are a benefit for the Ben Eyestone Fund at the Musician's Health Alliance. There are some incredible silent auction items.

I will you to the Facebook event for all the details. 

Today, I wanted to focus in on Friday night April 26 (right after Tim Carroll Rock n Roll Happy Hour)

The lineup for the first night includes FunkyJenn and the Fringe Benefits, Don Gallardo and How Far West, Chris Wilson and The Heresy, and The Truehearts!

Tomorrow, we will focus on Saturday April 27 - which will begin at 6:00pm and go until late. The night two headliner is the one and only Lady Couch!

Event details HERE.

Now, it is Monday and we have another top-notch Music City Monday shuffle.  Let's hit it!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Who'd've Known Mix

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No April Fool's Day jokes here at E2TG..,

Here we are at the beginning of another month. It is easy to despair in these times. Very easy to despair.  I still believe that as Martin Luther King, Jr said,  "...the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice."  It can be easy to doubt this when your focus is too narrow.

A  few years ago, when we were seeing several positive developments (i.e. the affirmation of same sex marriage), I predicted that we would see counter reaction. I'll be honest, I never expected the reaction to be as powerful as it has been, but I still believe it is just a reaction to the overall progress. 

This does not lessen the need to continue to fight and resist.


Well, it is Monday, and we have another super-cool "Music City Monday)  featuring some of my favorite musicians (some of whom are among my favorite people).  Let's shuffle!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Cadillacin' Mix

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The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed nine - January - September 2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

JUST ADDED!  August and September 2018 Playlists!

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (NEW!)
E2TG September 2018  (NEW!)
E2TG October 2018  (Coming Soon!)


Today is the last day of the Fall Pledge Drive at WXNA.  For the first time ever, WXNA reached their Pledge goal before the end of the drive. But, you can still give today, and remember every dollar earned goes toward making the station better and to help with our move to the new space early next year.  615-933-9962 or wxnafm.org

After two weeks off for different reasons, Music City Monday is back!  We have a super cool playlist of songs from artists connected to Music City USA. Let's jump!